Easy Shrimp Pesto Pasta

This easy shrimp pesto pasta recipe is a go-to meal when I’m short on time, but want a dinner that I know will please the whole family.

There aren’t too many meal requests that I get from my picky kiddos, but this is one that both my daughter and son love! It’s full of flavor and could not be easier.

Only about 20 mins and 6 ingredients is all you need to create a flavorful, healthy, satisfying meal to feed a crowd. I wanted to have plenty for my family of five, plus more for leftovers, so I used every last bit of the ingredients you see pictured below. Feel free to cut this recipe in half, though, if you’re only serving 2-3 people. I’ve also made a very similar recipe using chicken, if you’re not really feeling the shrimp.

Jarred pesto, jarred roasted red peppers and quick cooking shrimp are the shortcuts to this summery pasta dish. Garnish with chopped parsley for a extra color and a burst of freshness. This is a hearty dinner that is easy to throw together yet it’s full of vibrant and delicious flavors.

When I’m eating a carb-heavy meal, I prefer to eat my pasta over mixed greens. I have a beach vacation to prepare for in July, so I’m following the 21 day fix. To get bikini-ready, I measured out about 1/2 cup pasta, about 5 shrimp and plenty of red pepper and artichoke and enjoyed the yumminess over spring greens with about 1 tablespoon light balsamic vinaigrette.

Hope you guys get a chance to give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as my family does! Let me know what you think by leaving a comment and/or tag a picture @kimscravings on Instagram. I would love to see your version. Happy cooking, friends!

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Nutrition Facts

Easy Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Amount Per Serving (2 g)

Calories 582Calories from Fat 262

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 29.1g45%

Saturated Fat 3.6g18%

Cholesterol 168.5mg56%

Sodium 1322.1mg55%

Total Carbohydrates 50.7g17%

Dietary Fiber 5.9g24%

Sugars 5g

Protein 31.2g62%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Servings:8(2 cup servings)

Easy Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Prep Time:

5mins

Cook Time:

15mins

Total Time:

20mins

This easy shrimp pesto pasta recipe is a go-to meal when I'm short on time, but want a dinner that I know will please the whole family.

Ingredients

2poundsmedium-sized shrimppeeled and deveined

16.35 oz. jar basil pesto, divided

114.5 oz. box Farfalle (bowtie) pasta

114 oz. can artichoke hearts in water, chopped

112 oz. jar roasted red peppers in water, diced

16 oz. container crumbled feta (I use fat free)

Optional for garnish: fresh parsleychopped

Instructions

Combine shrimp and 1/2 the jar of basil pesto in a large baggie or bowl to marinate.

Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.

While pasta cooks, heat about 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet and cook shrimp about 2 mins and flip to allow shrimp to cook for another couple of minutes. While shrimp and pasta are cooking, I chop and dice the artichoke hearts and red pepper. This recipe moves very quickly and shrimp cooks really fast. Believe me, you don't want overcooked shrimp. If you're cooking 2 pounds of shrimp, like I did, you may need to do this in two batches, depending on the size of your skillet.

Stir together cooked pasta, shrimp, artichoke, red pepper and remaining pesto in a large serving bowl. Gradually, stir in the feta and garnish with parsley, if desired.

Recipe Notes

*Don't worry if your ingredients aren't the exact same sizes as mine. As long as they're pretty close all will turn out good.*Leftovers can be stored in a covered container or large baggie in the fridge for up to 3 days.*This recipe makes a lot, feel free to cut the recipe in half, if you're not serving a crowd.*I like to eat 1 cup over salad greens to keep things figure-friendly and cut the calories and fat in half. 🙂